BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 25 - Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna's Thamma continues its strong run at the box office with another double-digit figure on its first Friday. After a solid opening on Tuesday, the film has maintained its grip during this festive period. According to early estimates, Thamma collected over 10 crore net on Friday, taking its 4-day total to around 66 crore. The numbers are impressive considering the post-Diwali period and the genre's experimental nature. The film's performance across metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune remains good, while Tier-2 cities are showing steady hold. Thamma is expected to score a good jump on Saturday and Sunday as it will look to reach 100 crores net in its 6-day extended weekend. The movie, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, further solidifies the studios' dominance in the horror-comedy space after Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. At the worldwide box office, Thamma will be crossing the 100 crores mark today. If the film continues this trajectory, it could emerge as one of the biggest hits of Ayushmann's career and another blockbuster addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dude, the Tamil-language romantic action comedy directed by Keerthiswaran, has made a strong debut at the box office. Starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju in lead roles, the film has grossed ₹89.5 crore worldwide in its opening week, with ₹66.5 crore from India and ₹23 crore from overseas markets. With a solid performance across regions, the film is on track to enter the ₹100 crore club soon. Audiences have responded enthusiastically to the film’s mix of style, music, and action, with strong word-of-mouth translating into steady footfalls through the week.Out of his three films — Love Today, Dragon, and Dude — Pradeep Ranganathan has already had one film, Dragon, cross the ₹100 crore mark worldwide, and with Dude’s strong opening week of ₹89.5 crore, it is well on its way to joining the ₹100 crore club very soon. Achieving two ₹100 crore milestones within just three films is a notable accomplishment early in his career. Take a look at the day-wise breakdown of Dude Day 1- ₹ 11.5 Cr Day 2- ₹ 12.25 Cr Day 3- ₹ 12.5 Cr Day 4- ₹ 12.75 Cr Day 5- ₹ 10.25 Cr Day 6- ₹ 4.65 Cr Day 7- ₹ 2.6 Cr With its strong opening week and a worldwide total of ₹89.5 crore, Dude has established itself as a major hit early in its run. Given the momentum from both domestic and overseas markets, the film is well-positioned to cross the ₹100 crore mark in the coming days, further solidifying Pradeep Ranganathan’s growing box-office success.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The much-anticipated sequel, Akhanda 2, is set to bring Nandamuri Balakrishna back to the big screen in his iconic role, promising intense action and drama. Following the massive success of the original Akhanda (2021), which collected ₹117 crore worldwide, including ₹103.3 crore in India, the sequel is already generating buzz among fans and industry watchers alike. Notably, the prequel recovered its estimated production budget of ₹50 crore within its opening week, with a day 1 collection of ₹21.20 crore (India net) and an opening week total of ₹67.55 crore (India net), showcasing Balakrishna’s immense box office pull. The teaser for Akhanda 2 was released an hour ago, offering fans their first look at Balakrishna in action and hinting at power-packed sequences and dramatic moments. Fan reactions on social media have been enthusiastic, with comments such as “Sure hit!” and “Another blockbuster will be added to Balayya’s account,” reflecting the high expectations surrounding the film. While details about the storyline of Akhanda 2 remain under wraps, early reports suggest that the sequel will continue the saga of its formidable protagonist, blending thrilling action with gripping drama. Supported by a talented ensemble cast and a production team committed to high technical standards, Akhanda 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of 2025. With the legacy of the first film and Balakrishna returning in full form, expectations are high that Akhanda 2 will replicate or even surpass its predecessor’s commercial and critical success further solidifying Balayya’s iconic status among fans.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 24 - After wrapping up Jolly LLB 3, Akshay Kumar is gearing up for an eventful year ahead with a packed 2026 lineup. The superstar is all set to dive back into the world of comedy and chaos with Welcome To The Jungle — the highly awaited third instalment in the beloved Welcome franchise. Welcome 3 started production last year, but the shooting was halted due to some reasons, and was at risk of getting shelved. According to information obtained by Pinkvilla, things are back to normal as Akshay, along with the rest of the cast, will begin a 15-day shooting schedule for the film this November, after a long delay. A source close to the project revealed to Pinkvilla, "This schedule will primarily cover key sequences featuring Akshay and the ensemble cast. The team plans to wrap up the remaining portions by early next year, as they target a mid-2026 release. Most of the major shooting has already been completed." Directed by Ahmed Khan and produced by Firoz Nadiadwala, Welcome To The Jungle promises to be one of Bollywood's biggest comedy spectacles in the making. The film features an impressive cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, and Paresh Rawal, among others. With Akshay Kumar returning to his comic roots, fans can expect a laughter-filled cinematic ride when the film hits theatres next year. The Welcome franchise, first launched in 2007, has faced multiple delays over the years, but excitement around its return remains sky-high. Meanwhile, Akshay's next release will be Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan, marking their reunion after 14 years. He will also star in Haiwaan, another Priyadarshan collaboration that reteams him with Saif Ali Khan after nearly two decades. He also has multiple other films in the pipeline, for which details will be revealed in due time. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 24 - After the trailer launch recently, the buzz for Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh's romantic comedy De De Pyaar De 2 is skyrocketing. Ahead of the film's release, the rom-com has claimed the No. 1 spot on IMDb's list of Most Anticipated New Indian Movies and Shows. According to IMDb's real-time popularity rankings, De De Pyaar De 2 currently leads with 19.5% of the total share, leaving behind other eagerly awaited films like Haq, Dhurandhara, and Baahubali - The Epic. It is very common for films to top IMDb's anticipation list close to the release date, but the fact that DDPD2 still has 3 weeks left, the latest development is a big positive. The sequel to the 2019 hit De De Pyaar De, the film reunites Ajay Devgn with his signature blend of humour, charm, and emotional depth. The original, which starred Tabu and Rakul Preet Singh alongside Devgn, became a crowd favourite for its refreshing take on modern relationships. The buzz around the sequel has been steadily growing ever since its announcement, and the IMDb ranking now proves that anticipation is sky-high. In recent times, franchise films have failed to generate buzz, but the tide seems to be changing for DDPD2, which is genuinely making noise among the fans and trade, especially after the trailer launch that received a unanimous positive reception and huge viewership. With the film leading the hype charts, De De Pyaar De 2 looks poised to deliver another crowd-pleasing entertainer. Directed by Anshul Sharma and also starring R. Madhavan, Ishita Dutta, Meezaan Jafri, and Gautami Kapoor, fans are already waiting to see what fresh twists this romantic comedy will bring to the table — and if the IMDb anticipation is any sign, Ajay Devgn's next outing is set to open with a bang. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Kavin’s much-anticipated Tamil film Mask is all set to hit theatres on November 21, 2025, as officially confirmed by the actor through a post on X (formerly Twitter). Directed by debutant Vikarnan Ashok, the film has already stirred excitement among cinephiles for its intriguing premise and strong performances. Mask is described as a dark comedy thriller that delves into identity, deception, and moral conflict, with Kavin portraying Velu, a private detective drawn into a web of secrets and manipulation. Andrea Jeremiah plays a pivotal role while also serving as one of the producers alongside S.P. Chokkalingam. The Tamil film Mask (2025) is produced by Black Madras Films and The Show Must Go On, with initial involvement from Grass Root Film Company, mentored by filmmaker Vetrimaaran. The supporting cast includes Ruhani Sharma, Bala Saravanan, Archana Chandhoke, and Charle, while the technical team features G.V. Prakash Kumar composing the music, R.D. Rajasekhar handling cinematography, and R. Ramar taking charge of editing. Initially announced in May 2024 under the working title Kavin 07, the film underwent an extensive shoot across Chennai and has now entered its final post-production phase. After its theatrical release, Mask will stream on Zee5, which has officially secured its digital rights. With its mix of sharp humor, suspense, and emotion — backed by Vetrimaaran’s creative mentorship — Mask promises to present Kavin in a refreshing new light and stands as one of the most awaited Tamil releases of late 2025.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After a successful theatrical run, Dhanush's directorial venture, Idli Kadai, is set to stream on Netflix starting October 29, 2025. This film, which opened in cinemas on October 1, has resonated deeply with audiences, and now, fans worldwide can experience it from the comfort of their homes. Idli Kadai unfolds the journey of a man who returns to his roots to revive his family's modest eatery, confronting challenges that test his resolve and rekindle his connection to his heritage. The narrative, set against a rural backdrop, delves into themes of tradition, ambition, and familial bonds. Dhanush leads the film, portraying a character that mirrors his own experiences. He is joined by a stellar cast, including Arun Vijay, Nithya Menen, Shalini Pandey, Sathyaraj, Rajkiran, and R. Parthiban, each delivering performances that add depth to the story. Upon its release, Idli Kadai garnered significant attention, earning ₹16 crore [Worldwide] on its opening day and maintaining a steady performance thereafter. By the end of its extended opening weekend, the film had accumulated approximately ₹45.50 crore[Net] in India. Internationally, it continued to perform well recording ₹12.5 crore with audiences praising its emotional depth and relatable storyline. The film has been met with positive reviews, particularly highlighting its authentic portrayal of rural life and the emotional journey of its protagonist. Viewers have expressed appreciation for the film's heartfelt narrative and the performances of the cast. Idli Kadai will be available for streaming on Netflix from October 29, 2025, in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, ensuring a wide reach for audiences across India and beyond.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Pawan Kalyan's highly anticipated film, They Call Him OG, premiered on Netflix on October 23, 2025. Directed by Sujeeth, the film garnered significant attention for its high-octane action sequences and Pawan Kalyan's compelling performance. However, the OTT release has sparked disappointment among fans who were expecting an uncut version of the film. Leading up to the digital release, fans expressed their desire for an extended or uncut version of They Call Him OG, anticipating additional scenes and deeper character explorations. Promotional materials had hinted at the inclusion of extra content, fueling these expectations. However, upon its release, viewers found that the Netflix version mirrored the theatrical cut, with no added scenes or extended footage. This led to widespread dissatisfaction among the audience. There is a growing trend of fans seeking uncut versions of films on streaming platforms. The lack of additional content in They Call Him OG's OTT release highlights a gap between audience expectations and the offerings of streaming services. While the film's action sequences and Pawan Kalyan's performance received praise, the absence of the anticipated uncut version has left many fans feeling let down. As the demand for uncut versions of films continues to rise, it remains to be seen whether streaming platforms will adapt to these expectations. For now, fans of They Call Him OG can enjoy the film's original theatrical release on Netflix, albeit without the additional content they had hoped for. Amidst the discussions surrounding They Call Him OG, fans are eagerly anticipating Pawan Kalyan's upcoming film, Ustaad Bhagat Singh. Directed by Harish Shankar, the film stars Pawan Kalyan in the titular role, with Sreeleela as the female lead. Veteran actor R Parthiban has also joined the cast, adding to the excitement around the project. With a blend of action, drama, and an intriguing tale, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is shaping up to be another significant addition to Pawan Kalyan’s filmography, keeping fans eagerly waiting for its release. While They Call Him OG delivered on action and star power, the absence of an uncut version in its OTT release ,highlights the importance of aligning streaming offerings with audience expectations to enhance viewer satisfaction..

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, October 24 - Pan-India superstar Prabhas' 46th birthday turned into a festival for fans as the superstar celebrated the day by revealing updates from not one, but three of his major upcoming films. The actor, who enjoys a massive following nationwide, made sure his birthday was nothing short of a cinematic spectacle. The birthday celebrations began with the grand title announcement of Fauzi, a period action drama directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, known for the acclaimed Sita Ramam. Set in the 1940s, Fauzi is described as a patriotic saga that blends high-octane action with rich emotional depth — a perfect setting for Prabhas to once again showcase his larger-than-life screen presence. Following the title announcement of Fauzi, the actor treated the fans by revealing a new poster of the romantic horror comedy The Raja Saab, his next theatrical release slated for January 9, 2026. The film, which has already created significant buzz, promises to present the star in a never-before-seen avatar, combining mass appeal with fantasy elements. The final and most explosive announcement of the day came from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema. The makers unveiled a sound story concept video (without any footage), giving fans a glimpse of the cop action thriller's intensity and tone. The clip immediately went viral, sparking a frenzy across social media. The maverick director, known for films like Animal, Kabir Singh, and Arjun Reddy, further amped up the excitement by calling Prabhas India's biggest superstar, a statement that ignited passionate debates online — with fans proudly echoing the sentiment. With Fauzi, The Raja Saab, and Spirit all lined up to hit the big screen in the next two years, Prabhas' birthday this year wasn't just a celebration — it was a declaration of the powerhouse lineup awaiting his fans. The Rebel Star seems all set to rule the big screen once again in the coming years. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, October 24 - Love him or hate him, but no one can ignore Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The filmmaker, known for his unapologetic, unfiltered, and intense brand of storytelling, has once again become the talk of the nation after unveiling the Sound Story of his upcoming film Spirit, starring Prabhas, which has sent fans into a frenzy across the internet. The short yet powerful Sound Story offers a glimpse into the world Vanga is creating with Spirit, and it's everything one would expect from him. Without showing a single frame, the teaser managed to raise goosebumps, setting social media abuzz and trending within hours of release. The sound story offers a key dialogue sequence of Spirit without showing any frame. The teaser confirms that Prabhas plays an IPS officer who was once an academy topper but turns a remand prisoner because of his 'one bad habit', which has left everyone guessing. In his signature bold style, Sandeep Reddy Vanga also referred to Prabhas as "India's biggest superstar" — and it's hard to argue with that. Over the past decade, no actor has delivered the kind of box office dominance that Prabhas has, from Baahubali to Kalki 2898 AD. The collaboration between SRV and Prabhas is being hailed as one of the most explosive combinations in contemporary Indian cinema. SRV has also revealed the majority of the main cast of Spirit, produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures. Alongside Prabhas, the film stars Tripti Dimri as the female lead, Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj, and veteran South Indian actress Kanchana in key roles. Fans are calling Spirit "the next cinematic storm," with expectations skyrocketing for what Vanga will deliver after Kabir Singh and Animal. The director, who thrives on polarising opinions, seems set to push boundaries once again — this time on a much grander scale with Prabhas leading the charge. Spirit is expected to start rolling by the end of this year or early 2026. The film will be released in multiple Indian and international languages, most likely in 2027. The system knows his record.The streets know his rage.Now the world will know his #OneBadHabit. #Spirit Sound Story Out Now in all Languages 🔥#HappyBirthdayPrabhas ❤️#Prabhas @imvangasandeep pic.twitter.com/B2iPMGKn0P— Spirit (@InSpiritMode) October 23, 2025 Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 23: Maddock Films announced its most ambitious film yet, Mahavatar with Vicky Kaushal last year. Director Amar Kaushik, known for blockbusters like Stree and Stree 2, has been attached to helm this mega project, which was announced for a Christmas 2026 release. Recently, it was reported that Mahavatar wouldn't be ready by Christmas 2026 and was postponed to 2027, due to a delay in the shoot. During a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Amar Kaushik finally shared a major update on his upcoming magnum opus, as he admitted that Mahavatar is a major responsibility. Speaking about the project's scale and preparation, Amar revealed that the team has been deeply involved in pre-production for several months. "The prep is going on for 6-7 months. We have worked on the set design, weapon design, how every character would look, etc. The scripting is done. Yet, we need more time," he said. The filmmaker also confirmed that Vicky Kaushal will join the prep phase once he wraps up his ongoing commitments. "Vicky will finish his other commitments, and after that, he'll also start his preparation. Hence, we hope to go on floors by mid-next year," Amar added. Mahavatar marks Amar Kaushik’s most ambitious venture yet, said to be a large-scale mythological action drama with a unique blend of spirituality and visual spectacle. With the director's proven storytelling finesse and Vicky Kaushal's commanding screen presence, expectations are sky-high for this collaboration. As of now, the team is taking its time to perfect every element — from the look and design to the tone and world-building — ensuring that Mahavatar lives up to its title. If all goes as planned, the film is expected to begin shooting by mid-2026, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated Hindi films in the coming years. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In one of the most unexpected crossovers in recent entertainment news, Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates is set to make a special cameo appearance on the iconic Indian television drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, aired on Star Plus. The news, confirmed by Bollywood Hungama, has created a social-media frenzy — blending the worlds of global technology and Indian family entertainment. The surprise was revealed through a promo shared by Star Plus on social media, featuring Smriti Irani’s beloved character Tulsi Virani having a video call with Bill Gates himself. In the clip, Gates greets her warmly with “Namaste Tulsi ji, Jai Shree Krishna,” to which Tulsi responds in her trademark manner. Star Plus posted the now-trending video on its official Instagram page, the same link that has captivated millions of viewers worldwide. The brief yet heartwarming clip shows Bill Gates interacting directly with Tulsi Virani, symbolizing an unlikely but powerful connection between global innovation and Indian tradition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by StarPlus (@starplus) The promo not only highlights this thoughtful collaboration but also marks Bill Gates’ first-ever appearance on Indian television — and only his second cameo globally, after a brief feature in The Big Bang Theory. Fans have flooded the comments section, calling it a “historic moment” and applauding Star Plus for using entertainment as a vehicle for meaningful awareness. With Bill Gates now stepping into this familiar world — even if briefly — it’s a fascinating moment where global philanthropy meets Indian pop culture, reminding audiences that impactful messages can travel through the most unexpected mediums.